1. Optimize for Google ? If you are going to pursue a search engine optimization effort, always focus on Google. It has the most traffic. If you can nail down Google, Yahoo and MSN will soon show similar rankings.
2. Linking Language ? When generating links to your site, try to mix up the language you use for the incoming links. The search engines, particularly Google, like to see a mix of language.
3. Determining SEO Competition ? You should always use Word Tracker for your keyword research. Make sure to use the competition tool to determine how many people are trying to get ranked under a keyword phrase.
4. How Long Till Rankings ? Depends on the phrases you are going for. In general, you can count on a year in Google and less for Yahoo and MSN with a new site. MSN always produces high rankings first.
5. Meta Keywords Tip ? Setting up you meta keywords for search engine optimization used to be very important. Most search engines don't look at them now, so don't spend much time on them.
6. Dreaded Google Eleven - Google can be wickedly cruel. For some reason, rankings will often pop up to the number eleven position and then sit for a few months. Don't change your tactics. Just keep doing what you are doing and you will move up.
7. Misunderstood Article Promotion - Generating links by publishing articles is very popular these days, but Google has clamped down. The duplicate content filter means you will generate far fewer "countable" links with your articles.
8. Meta Description Trick - The meta description for each page of your site is very important. Make sure it matches the first two lines of text on the particular page and contains your keywords of interest.
9. The Keyword Box - When developing keyword lists for your optimization efforts, try to think beyond the subject matter of the site. Throw in catch all phrases such as "problems", "gifts" and so on as appropriate.
10. Must Use Article Directories ? Not all directories are created equal. If you submit, make sure you focus on ezinearticles, goarticles and articledashboard.
Ultimately, you need to be disciplined enough to commit to your seo efforts. Yes, it will take time, but ultimately the payoff will be tremendous in rankings, traffic and revenues.
